Club World Cup: Fluminense hold Borussia Dortmund in goalless draw

Fluminense of Brazil maintained their unbeaten run at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup after holding Borussia Dortmund to a 0-0 draw in their Group F encounter on Tuesday.

The match, played at the Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw the Brazilian side looking the more threatening for much of the game.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva, now 40, captained Fluminense and marshalled a defence that managed to frustrate last season’s UEFA Champions League finalists. Despite Dortmund’s pedigree, it was the South American champions who created the clearer chances, with Jhon Arias forcing a save from Gregor Kobel and Matheus Martinelli narrowly missing the target.

Fluminense should have scored midway into the second half following a swift counter-attack, but Agustin Canobbio shot tamely at Kobel. The Dortmund goalkeeper later made another crucial save to deny Everaldo as the Brazilian side pressed for a winner.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac admitted his team struggled, particularly in the first half. “Fluminense is a top team, very ball-possession based,” Kovac said. “In the second half, we improved a little, but overall, it’s a lucky point for us.”

The Germans gave a debut to teenage midfielder Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who came on as a substitute. However, Dortmund failed to create clear chances and only threatened late on with a long-range effort from Niklas Suele.

The result leaves Dortmund hoping for a first win when they face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns next. Meanwhile, Fluminense’s solid display against another European heavyweight signals a strong Brazilian presence in FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.

Fluminense qualified for the competition by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores. Their performance, along with Flamengo’s victory over Tunisia’s Esperance and Botafogo’s triumph against Seattle Sounders, reflects the growing competitiveness of Brazilian clubs on the global stage.

Dortmund coach Kovac noted the difficult conditions for his side. “The pitch wasn’t easy, and the humidity affected us, though the Brazilians are more accustomed to it. We ran a lot, but in the end, we can live with a point.”

Dortmund will be eager to bounce back when they face Sundowns, while Fluminense look to build on their momentum as the tournament progresses.